JOHN CADDICK-ADAMSTalented viola player John Caddick-Adams, who dedicated nearly 60 years to an amateur symphony orchestra, died on 17 July, 2008, aged 84.Lifelong church member Mr Caddick-Adams, formerly of The Brampton, Newcastle under Lyme, Staffordshire, died from lung cancer.He was managing director of tile manufacturing business John Caddick & Son in Cliff Vale until its closure in the late 1980s.Music was the major love of his life, After taking up the violin as an eight-year-old, he went on to lead the violas in the North Staffs Symphony Orchestra for 40 years. He was also the orchestra’s secretary from December 1949 until 1994.Orchestra treasurer Margaret Legg said: "John was totally dedicated to the orchestra. It was his life."He was always enthusiastic and was interested in what other musicians were doing. He is sadly missed."Mr Caddick-Adams was born in what is now the Victoria Pub in Wolstanton, Staffordshire.After graduating from Cambridge University with an engineering degree, he served in Calcutta with the army, where he became involved in the Calcutta Symphony Orchestra.He joined the North Staffs Symphony Orchestra, where his father, mother and aunt were also members, on his return.He married the late Joy Caddick-Adams in 1958 and they had four children: Peter, Margaret, Michael and Joan.Mrs Caddick-Adams joined her husband as an orchestra patron and sold tickets and programmes.As part of his involvement with the orchestra, Mr Caddick-Adams liaised with the conductors and soloists organising the sheet music for all the members. He also had a considerable say in the orchestral pieces played at the regular concerts.He announced his retirement from major performances in autumn 2006 but continued to attend rehearsals.His daughter Joan Langley said: "My father was a generous, kind-hearted and gentle Christian man."He was an endearing character. He was full of energy and highly respected by those who knew him."His son Mike said: "My father loved sailing and was very into cycling. He was well known for being out on his bike around Newcastle well into his retirement years."He was very proud of the time he had served in the orchestra – and even beating his own father’s record."Mr Caddick-Adams was also a dedicated member of St George’s Church in Newcastle, where he was a choir member, church warden and treasurer for more than 20 years.He also held the church garden party regularly at his home, and was a keen supporter of the work of the Church Missionary Society and a leader of the Crusaders’ Union Bible Class.The Reverend Bill Mash said: "John had meticulous attention to detail and was very careful in everything he did. He was warm and welcoming and he and his late wife Joy were well known for their hospitality at Brampton Lodge, especially welcoming newcomers to the church."Mr Caddick-Adams, who was also in the Ceramic City Choir for 10 years and the Bedford Singers for around 20 years.A service ofthanksgiving took place at St George’s Church, Newcastle, on 29 July, 2008.
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